Location
London Waterloo General Offices, London

Hours
Full Time - Hybrid working available with an expectation to be in the office a minimum of three days per week

Salary
£86,801 per annum

About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to shape one of the most important changes underway in Britain's railways. As Strategy Lead, you will help define how fares, ticketing and retail are transformed for millions of passengers - making rail simpler, fairer and easier to use. You will work at the centre of a high-profile, multi-million-pound reform programme, bringing together project teams, delivery partners, government and industry stakeholders to create clear direction, build consensus and turn complex challenges into practical improvements that deliver lasting value for customers and the wider railway.

Britain's railways must deliver for passengers now and in the future. The government and the rail industry are delivering a programme of reforms to make rail easier to buy and use, including simpler fares, better value, straightforward ticket choices, and fair, consistent prices with more lower fares. The programme also focuses on ensuring passengers have confidence they hold the right ticket, tackling fare dodging and fraud, and providing easier ways to buy tickets through a high-quality Great British Railways website and app alongside independent retailers.

Additional initiatives include expanding tap-in tap-out payment systems in major urban areas, mobile payment trials, and improving retail experiences to support passengers who rely on paper tickets, cash, or need extra assistance. As Great British Railways evolves, this programme is helping rebuild trust in rail and encouraging more people to travel by train.

This role is available on a permanent contract or a 12-month secondment. Network Rail is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from everyone. Reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process are available to support people with disabilities.

Experience
Proven experience leading strategy development in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
Strong understanding of business case development aligned with Green Book and Teal Book standards
Ability to translate complex problems into clear strategic frameworks and narratives
Experience working across policy, commercial, and customer environments with strong understanding of customer and commercial strategy design and delivery techniques
Effective at building productive relationships across multiple internal and external stakeholders and facilitating discussions to align differing views, clarify decisions and maintain momentum on complex projects
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, particularly in sensitive, high-profile situations
Political acumen to impact across Government and the rail industry

About you
Confident and proactive leader with strong strategic thinking skills
Capable of working at pace in a high-profile, highly political environment
Collaborative and able to build consensus among diverse stakeholders
Committed to delivering practical improvements that provide lasting value for customers and the wider railway

Qualifications
Desirable:
- Proven experience delivering solutions in the rail sector
- Knowledge of current rail technology offerings
- Strong analytical and project and programme management skills